Boots
Boots is the 17-year-old companion of Marjorie Church, honored for his contributions to the Humane Society at the Desert Diamond Cat Club's 1995 Spring Show. Boots and Church enjoying retirement at Fountains at La Cholla Community.
Best Birthday Party For Cats
For the past five years, Boots and Marjorie Church have thrown the biggest birthday bash a cat ever had, with as many as 250 guests. It's an elaborate affair, with programs to make, cakes to order and formal invitations to send to invited guests as far away as the state governor's office and the White House. Last year, the Clinton kitty, Socks, declined graciously by sending a telegram with his warmest wishes. Boots himself requires little preparation for the occasion: He's a social animal by nature and always dressed to the nines with his black-and-white tuxedo markings. But Boots is a philanthrocat at heart, using his April 9 birthday as a fundraiser for the Humane Society of Arizona. Over the past two years, Boots and Marjorie have raised more than $1,500.
Best Live Entertainment
Boots likes to sit in the basket of Marjorie's electric cart. Together they speed around the complex, to visit the 130-some-odd residents.
Best Comfort Food
Boots enjoys a diet of raw liver, kidney and hearts, a variety of shellfish, skim milk and vanilla ice cream--all things his veterinarian of 17 years says he shouldn't have. The only explanation for Boots' uncommon longevity is that he gets plenty of TLC.
Best Philosophy On Life
Boots has survived the wilds of Canada, where a wildcat ambushed him and his sleeping siblings; a near-fatal suffocation when the summer house in Show Low filled with smoke; being shot in the lung by a 12-year-old boy; and the ravages of old age, including a bout with cirrhosis of the liver. "We try to keep him out of the bottle," kids Marjorie. Born in Canada of a purebred Persian mother and "a commoner" dad, Boots has a bearing both noble and down-to-earth. His approach to life is to be kind, nuzzle humans often and to tuck his paws under and be patient when faced with adversity. Oh--and to keep a meticulous litter box.
